Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Art, Drama and Music Professor
What art, drama and music professors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an art, drama and music professor?
Teach a painting studio. From there, the day usually includes teach studio, performance or theory courses, give critiques and lessons, and direct ensembles or productions. Evening rehearsals and performances are common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an art, drama and music professor working full time.
- Teach a painting studio.
- Give private voice lessons.
- Teach music theory.
- Rehearse the orchestra.
- Critique senior portfolios.
- Direct a theater rehearsal.
- Work on your own art.
Where art, drama and music professors work
Faculty work in studios, rehearsal halls, theaters and galleries.
Hours and schedule
Evening rehearsals and performances are common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach studio, performance or theory courses
- Give critiques and lessons
- Direct ensembles or productions
- Create and exhibit work
- Mentor students
- Organize shows and concerts
- Serve on committees
Tools you’ll use every day
- Studio equipment
- Instruments
- Theater lighting and sound
- Digital audio workstations
- Design software
- Learning management systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Teach your passion
- Time for creative work
- Mentor artists
- Performances and exhibitions
What’s hard
- Very competitive positions
- Evening and weekend events
- Many adjunct roles
- Lower pay for academia
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m a working artist or musician
- I love teaching
- I give helpful critiques
- I want time for my own work
- I don’t mind evening events
- I can compete for jobs
Not sure? Take the free Art, Drama and Music Professor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow studio and shop safety
- Use safe theater rigging
- Protect hearing in music rooms
- Protect student privacy